Show Your Stripes Day 2026: Hong Kong temperature rises highlighted in climate warming stripes

Hong Kong's warming climate has been vividly illustrated through a set of "warming stripes," a visual representation of temperature changes designed by British climate scientist Ed Hawkins. This initiative is part of the annual global campaign, "#ShowYourStripes," which seeks to ignite conversations about the climate crisis.

The graphics for Hong Kong chart the city's average temperature fluctuations dating back to 1885, utilizing data sourced from the Hong Kong Observatory. The most recent stripe, depicted in a deep burgundy hue, signifies the most substantial temperature increase relative to the 1961-2010 average. This visual progression, shifting from predominantly blue to red over the years, clearly indicates a significant warming trend.

Launched in 2018, the "warming stripes" project transforms complex meteorological data into an easily understandable format. Hawkins, a professor at the University of Reading, stated that the graphics are intended to make people "feel concern" and prompt questions about the escalating pace of global warming. The visualisations have been adopted globally, appearing on everything from football jerseys to projections on prominent landmarks and presentations at international conferences.

Environmental groups are urging Hong Kong's government to prioritize climate action. Friends of the Earth recently called for stronger climate adaptation policies as the city anticipates an extremely hot summer. Scientific consensus, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, confirms that human-caused climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves worldwide.

The data indicates that Hong Kong has already warmed by 1.7 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution. Projections suggest that by the end of the century, heat and humidity levels could reach lethal thresholds for extended periods, potentially making outdoor activities impossible in certain regions. The campaign underscores the urgent need for global and local action to address the escalating climate crisis.

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You don’t need to be a scientist to understand the message and feel concern. The Earth is heating up, and the pace is accelerating.